Kukke Shri Subrahmanya Temple
Subramanya, a famous Hindu pilgrimage location, is situated in the Sullia Taluk in South Kanara district. Nestled among the mountains, the Kukke Subramanya temple worships Vasuki or Nagaraj, the serpent God. The temple is revered as an ultimate source to attain salvation and is believed to be the panacea for all naaga doshas.
Murudeshwar
Located in Bhatkal taluk in Uttara Kannada district, Murudeshwar is a perfect mixture of culture and natural beauty. Surrounded by the Arabian Sea and hills of Western Ghats, the place boasts of world’s second largest Shiva statue. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Murudeshwar temple stands tall with its magnificent 20 gopuras that adds to the charm and sanctity of the place.
Udupi Shri Krishna Matha
Udupi is best known for the famed Shri Krishna Temple and Shri Krishna Mutt that attracts tourists and devotees around the world. Founded by Vaishnavite saint Shri Madhwacharya in the 13th century, the distinctive feature of the temple is that Lord Krishna is worshipped through a window with nine holes called the Navagraha Kitiki.
Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala
Situated on the banks of Nethravathi River in the Belthangadi taluk of the Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka, Dharmasthala is purely an epitome of unity in diversity. Here, a Jain Tirthankara is worshipped alongside Daivas and Lord Manjunatha (Shiva). One of the major attractions of the place is Lakshadeepa- the festival of lights celebrated in month of November–December.
Shri Mahalingeshwara Temple
Believed to be the protector of Puttur Taluk, Shri Mahalingeshwara Temple, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Also known as Puttur Mahalingeshwara, the temple was built in 11-12th Century by the king of Banga. The car festival, celebrated in the month of April, is celebrated with fervor and draws huge crowd from all over the place.
Shri Mookambika Temple
About 180kms away from Puttur, lies a small temple town Kollur, famous for the ancient Shri Mookambika Temple. Located on the banks of river Sowparnika, the temple is believed to have been created by Parashuram. Interestingly, it is only temple that is dedicated to goddess Parvathi, wife of Shiva. The temple revered by the people from Tamilnadu as is also known as Thai Mookambika.
Shri Panchamukhi Anjaneya Kshethra
Another major attraction around Puttur is Panchamukhi Anjaneya Kshethra Hanumagiri, Ishwaramangala. About 23kms from Puttur, this place is solely dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the ardent devotee of Lord Ram, and is soaked in the legends of Ramayana. Carved out of black stone, the monolithic statue of Panchamukhi Hanuman is nothing less than an art work.
Jog Falls
Cascading from the Western Ghats at a height of 829 feet, the Jog Falls is an ethereal beauty in itself. Situated in Sagara district on the borders of Shimoga and North Kanara, the Jog Falls is the second-highest waterfall in India. It originates from river Sharavati and gives way to four distinct torrents namely Raja, Rani, Roarer and Rocket. The best time to capture the splendor is during the monsoons from August to December.
Nagarhole National Park
Located in Kodagu and Mysore district in Karnataka, Nagarhole National Park gives a perfect sneak-peek into the rich ecosystem of Western Ghats. Covered in rich vegetation, wildlife and its impressive tiger population, the national park was declared the 37th tiger reserve in 1999 under Project Tiger. Just separated by the Kabini water reservoir, but sharing the same landscape, is the Bandipur National Park. .
Belur and Halebeedu
The twin cities of Belur and Halebeedu are located in Hassan District, about 125 kms from Puttur. Showcasing the architectural marvels of the famous Hoysala Dynasty, the cities are tourist hotspot for the Chennakesava Temple, Belur and the Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara temples at Halebeedu.
Dubare Elephant Camp
A must visit for the animal lovers, the Dubare Elephant Camp lies on the banks of the river Kaveri in the district of Kodagu, Karnataka. A joint venture of the Forest Department and Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd, the camp is main center of training and care for the elephants. The camp offers rare opportunity for the tourists to take a closer look at the elephants under the guidance of trained staffs.
Tibetan Monasteries
Known as the mini Tibet of India, the Doeguling Tibetan settlement at Mundgod is truly a cultural wonder. About 57 kms from Hubli district, the place provides a glimpse of Buddhism through its monasteries and stupas. The exquisite statues of Buddha and the Ashok Stambha stand tall in their own glory.
